3. Health Promotion
Definition : health promotion is a process that gives populations the means to gain control on its own health and to enhance it. This approach is linked to concepts defining health as a tool for individuals and groups to achieve their ambitions and satisfy their needs as well as adapt to the environment in the best possible way. Health promotion should not be restricted to health care structures: it aims, beyond a healthy lifestyle, at ensuring well-being. Increasing the quality of health is necessary and participates to this process. Indeed, good health is essential for social, economic and individual progress. However, a satisfying health may only be reached within certain conditions:
- Peace, accommodation, food and revenue, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, behavioral and biological factors: all those elements may intervene on the levels of health. Health promotion strives to make those impacts positive by promoting ideas and attitudes. It also aims at reaching equality for all in this field…
- Reduce the current gaps in health levels within the population
- Provide the same opportunities and resources to all individuals to reach the best possible levels of health. Health promotion requires voluntary action from a range of actors: government, health sector, social and economic structures, voluntary organizations, political authorities. Related programs and strategies must be adapted to the needs and possibilities of each country or region and take into account the diversity of social, economic and cultural systems. Everybody should be able to participate as individuals, families and communities.